When Deepika Padukone preaches self-care by posting her skincare steps and workout pictures, we see, and we take notes. Now that social distancing has become the new mantra for summer, we are taking all the inspiration that we can to keep ourselves productive. With the indefinite lock-down in process, one may dread on how to keep themselves sane. But don’t worry, the dreaded isolation period may actually turn fruitful. Look at it this way, home quarantine = no tanned skin from the harsh summer sun. Liking it already? It's all a mind-game, mind you. Keeping yourself optimistic and calm is the only way to go about it, and for that, we suggest taking care of yourself.
Here are some of the classic self-care tips that are proven to keep your mind and body positive.
- You guessed it, face packs!
This one’s a go-to self-care move. Applying a face pack that suits your skin has a feel-good placebo effect on the mind. But no, it doesn’t mean that you can apply your pack 3 times a week whenever you feel bored (we are tempted, though). Make sure you follow up your skincare post the ritual with an ample amount of moisturizer and sunscreen. Yes, it’s a must even when you’re indoors as you can’t forget the day-long laptop and phone glare. While the world went in a frenzy over an overtly-elaborate Korean skincare, we are going to stick to our good 'ol three-step regime.
- Surrender to calming music.
Or rather, any kind of music that makes you feel calm. Put your earphones on and put on K-pop music that you enjoy with nobody judging your taste in music. The activity has been scientifically proven to uplift your mood. It makes you productive, enhances self-image and perks your day up. Put on a lemongrass diffuser and ASMR music for a more relaxing mood.
- Wake your body with some physical activity.
If you’re one of us who REALLY enjoys watching those fitness videos but can’t really find the motivation to begin, this one’s for you. Don't dive head-first into a hard-core regime, especially if you are not Team Gym on usual daysl. Now is the time to ease into the habit of doing small 20-minute workouts you've always envisioned yourself to do. Begin with simple stretching or yoga (that always helps, plus there’s always Shavasana 😉 ). Throw in some medidation and breathing exercises inthe mix. Not only are they good for the body but also for the mind.
- Give cooking a shot.
For those of you who don't live with your parents, now would be the time to try your hand at cooking. Fending for yoourself is a survival skill and instead of spending time searching for restaurants which deliver in quarantine times, put on your chef’s hat and try making basic dishes to begin with. Think of this as a detox for your body. Cut down on outside food and get into the kitchen. If you're looking for easy recipes, Instagram is serving those via stories and posts, too. The Dalgona coffee, or the whipped variant of the usual filter one, is taking over the netizen's cups by a storm. The Shakshuka and the Banana Bread are also among the trending foods to be made in quarantine.
- This one’s a no-brainer – take a social media detox.
Reduce your screen time by the mindless scroll-through the social media. Everyone, including our favourite celebs, are posting about their productivity goals in times of quarantine, and thereby reducing ours by the incessant scrolling. Give your mind a virtual break by taking a social media detox and spend some time with your furry friends. Reading about the pandemic can cause a lot of stress and anxiety too, so take over your imagination and find yourself amidst nature. Give yourself a much-deserved mind-break.
- Read that book, or anything in general.
You must be wondering about what to do post your social media detox. As much as we are used to reading articles online, keep your gadgets away and pick up the newspaper or any book that you have been meaning to read. Not only will it broaden your mind, but it will also help you catch up on perspectives and on-goings in the world.
- Re-connect with your best friends.
One of the best-proven forms of self-care is connecting with your friends. Even if they’re far, then what’s a Skype or Zoom call for? Catch up on their shenanigans while sharing yours and believe that nothing much has changed. Grab a bucket of popcorn or some home-made juice to go with it.
- Adjust your mood by colouring.
We would still recommend this one even if you’re not the best at it. I’m not, yet I find myself drawing and colouring which let out my emotions-at-the-time. It’s a great self-care activity and an outlet for your emotions which also increases your concentration levels. Recreate detailed mandala designs off the internet, and you’ll find yourself in a bliss colouring it, or get yourself a calming adult colouring book.
- Catch up on some Netflix and chill…alone
Make up for all the saved screen time by giving yourself a pre-fixed time allowance with some Netflix sessions. We would recommend Netflix Party, where you can sync video playback and link your friends where you can host a long-distance movie night. If you prefer spending time by yourself, that’s good too! Catch up on the latest series or movies, or just binge-watch Friends for the nth time!
- Pen down your routine through journaling.
We are saving the best for the last. Now that we have the extra time, seclusion, and resources, it is ideal to maintain checklists and a plan-of-action for the day. Create projects for yourself and keep your mind active and disciplined by being productive. It’s true what they say, writing it down just makes it concrete and clear. So, write away!
Which self-care points are on your to-do list? Let us know in the comments below.
